Tie down advice

   / Tie down advice #11  
I like chains. Hooks in pockets as shown. Bind the slack.
 
   / Tie down advice #12  
And be aware that straps will stretch about 5% the first time you use them. Don't be surprised if they're flopping in the breeze after a couple of miles.
 
   / Tie down advice #13  
And be aware that straps will stretch about 5% the first time you use them. Don't be surprised if they're flopping in the breeze after a couple of miles.

Interesting this happening to you. Never experienced this in over 10 years strapping my tractors down tight.
 
   / Tie down advice #14  
Chains for tractors, straps for attachments. There is a ratchet binder with a folding handle which is pretty nice but pricey.

And fluid film to cover the chains and binders.

Also pick up a little bit of fire hose to use to prevent the chains from rubbing on equipment and the straps from wearing over contact points.

Here's 1 good older thread on straps vs chains.
 
   / Tie down advice #15  
3/8" chain and ratcheting chain binders at all four corners is my go-to setup. Never had anything get loose. Those ratcheting chain binders are easy to use and put a real stretch on the chain!

Harbor Freight is a good place to get 3/8" chain, especially when it goes on coupon or when you have a 20% off coupon. But they only have 3/8" in grade 43 (if that is legal in your state).

I prefer Truck and Tow for my chain needs. However, it is best to catch their "free shipping" offer that happens about once a month and lasts a week. They pretty much have everything you could think of.

Tie Down Transport Chain | Truck n Tow.com

In the photo below, I have since added a fifth chain to the center rear to make sure there is absolutely no movement when braking.

BHrepair_06.JPG
 
   / Tie down advice #16  
Lowes has 20' lengths of 5/16" grade 70 transport chain for under $30. Please avoid using the over center chain binders that many ppl refer to as "boomers". They are cheap and simple but are simply not worth the hassel. Get the ratcheting style and don't look back.
 
   / Tie down advice #17  
It's industry standard, not something I made up. Straight from the tie down suppliers.
 
   / Tie down advice #18  
Lowes has 20' lengths of 5/16" grade 70 transport chain for under $30. Please avoid using the over center chain binders that many ppl refer to as "boomers". They are cheap and simple but are simply not worth the hassel. Get the ratcheting style and don't look back.

Most of this discussion has gone beyond any realistic needs for towing a small Kubota. I too use chains for the larger tractors and straps for the smaller ones. Sometimes add a strap here and there just because it seems more secure. The old over-center chain binders are said to be "illegal" or anyway not kosher in some states like PA. Not sure what the Fed transportation safety people say. I have no hesitancy to use over-center binders regardless of the fuzzy blur of regulations. So far as I am concerned, it is my safety and my risk that I look out for, not their inconsistent regs. I always use bungy cords (or wire) to secure the handles on the over center binders just in case the chains loosen.
 
   / Tie down advice #19  
3/8" chain and ratcheting chain binders at all four corners is my go-to setup. Never had anything get loose. Those ratcheting chain binders are easy to use and put a real stretch on the chain! Harbor Freight is a good place to get 3/8" chain, especially when it goes on coupon or when you have a 20% off coupon. But they only have 3/8" in grade 43 (if that is legal in your state). I prefer Truck and Tow for my chain needs. However, it is best to catch their "free shipping" offer that happens about once a month and lasts a week. They pretty much have everything you could think of. Tie Down Transport Chain | Truck n Tow.com In the photo below, I have since added a fifth chain to the center rear to make sure there is absolutely no movement when braking. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=477659"/>
Aren't you overloaded on the trailer and likely the tow vehicle?
 
   / Tie down advice #20  
Most of this discussion has gone beyond any realistic needs for towing a small Kubota. I too use chains for the larger tractors and straps for the smaller ones. Sometimes add a strap here and there just because it seems more secure. The old over-center chain binders are said to be "illegal" or anyway not kosher in some states like PA. Not sure what the Fed transportation safety people say. I have no hesitancy to use over-center binders regardless of the fuzzy blur of regulations. So far as I am concerned, it is my safety and my risk that I look out for, not their inconsistent regs. I always use bungy cords (or wire) to secure the handles on the over center binders just in case the chains loosen.

I guess I implied that chain was required but its not. I prefer to use chain on anything that rolls or moves under its own power. Straps for everything else. Boomers are not illegal and I still have a couple as backups but I have slowly begun retiring them. The issue with them is not the transport although they are a lot more likely to pop open. The issue with them is when you can't get the right link so you have to use a cheater pipe to tighten them. Many guys have lost teeth or have launched cheater pipes over the moon when they knock them loose. You do what you want, but for someone who is asking for tie down advice, no one should recommend boomers because they are too tough or cheap to use better tie down methods.
 
 
Top